Akufo-Addo interacts with Rawlings

For years, the two political heavyweights who belong to different political persuasions have never met to jaw-jaw on national issues. With smiles and a warm handshake, former President Rawlings defined his role as a statesman when he welcomed Nana Akufo-Addo to his residence. The meeting, which was least expected and never thought of, centred on how best to secure a peaceful and united atmosphere during and after the December general election. It was also to ensure that corruption was minimised to generate enough resources to better the lives of the impoverished people of Ghana. Many reporters covering Nana Akufo-Addo did not believe it when they were told by the Nana Akufo-Addo Communications Team that the NPP flag bearer was to going visit former President Rawlings until the bus conveying them passed what is referred to as the ‘Boom Junction’ and entered the Ridge residence of the former President in Accra. Surprised at the great number of reporters and the historic nature of the meeting, former President Rawlings remarked, “I wish I had a camera to take a shot of this. I mean this is a real bonanza. We have never seen this before in this country.” Former President Rawlings, who is also the founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), wholeheartedly welcomed Nana Akufo-Addo and his entourage with laughter. The Akufo-Addo entourage included the NPP National Chairman, Mr Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, and the Special Aide to the flag bearer, Mr Abu Jinapor. Both leaders exchanged pleasantries, to the amazement of the reporters present. Setting the tone for the cordial discussions in a crowded but cosy room, Nana Akufo-Addo said the time had come “when actors in the political scene found a way to talk with each other rather than at each other, which has been the case in our country for a long time”. He said the visit was to ensure that they found a way to secure peaceful elections and also give his reassurance and commitment to non-violent elections. Former President Rawlings described the meeting as a “privilege and honour” and expressed the hope that it would send positive signals to supporters of both the NPP and the NDC. He said what the supporters of both parties would expect was a very “vigilant, free and fair elections devoid of provocations, especially in areas that the two parties consider as their strongholds”. Former President Rawlings, who played a leading role in the NDC’s campaign to capture power in the 2008 elections, assured Nana Akufo-Addo, “I may not be active on the campaign trail so you can rest assured that you will probably not be hearing the [Papa] ‘tia tia’ comments.” In a very surprising remark, he indicated that he personally expected either President Mahama or Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings of the National Democratic Party (NDP) to win the 2012 elections. “Can NDC supporters enjoy the same degree of security and freedom under your government as the NPP had enjoyed under the Mills-Mahama government should Akufo-Addo win the elections?” he asked. According to former President Rawlings, a great number of NDC members and supporters were nervous in case their party lost the elections because of the experience they had when they lost power in 2000. “That is part of the nervousness that is creating the stress and tension in our camp about going into opposition,” he stated, adding that it was important that the NPP assure Ghanaians that if it won the elections, there would be freedom and justice. He reminded the NPP that even the international community had realised that the 2012 elections could be “a make or break for the achievements of our country” and called for collaboration to ensure that Ghana did not slide into destruction like other countries. “Let us use this opportunity, irrespective of whoever wins these elections, to make the most and give this country the necessary lead she needs. Let’s prove a point that it could be done,” he pleaded. Likening elections to football matches, former President Rawlings said just as Ghanaians supported their individual football clubs at the local level but united to support the Black Stars, the national team, they should replicate that in the creation of government to engender unity and also be able to tap the best brains to solve the problems of the people, especially in the area of health and education. He pleaded with all the presidential candidates to ensure that whoever won the elections focused on the fight against corruption which was eating into the fabric of society and prevented the country from making the necessary developmental leaps. Nana Akufo-Addo described the former President’s concerns as welcome, saying they also reflected the concerns of the ordinary Ghanaian. He said the meeting was a new page in the political history of Ghana and noted that it was the responsibility of leaders to address the developmental challenges of the people and transform their lives for the better, especially better health care, quality, affordable and accessible education and more dignified living. For his part, an elated Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey commended President Rawlings for his great legacy for the country, especially setting in motion the Fourth Republic, managing the transition from military to civilian government and also leaving a legacy of integrity in government. He added that if Ghanaians would follow the legacy and demand integrity and accountability, Ghana would be able to develop, a comment which made President Rawlings remark, “That is what led to the formation of the NDP.”